HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2002-07-24BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 4:45 p.m. July 24, 2002
PRESENT:
Commissioners (4) - Beach, Leonardo, Tsegaye, Gutenberger
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deputy Clerk – Korherr
City Controller - Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer - Fabbroni
Common Council Liaison - Hershey
EXCUSED: Commissioner Jenkins
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Vice-Chair Leonardo led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the May 8, 2002 and June 12, 2002
Board of Public Works Meetings
By Commissioner Leonardo: Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 8, 2002 and June 12, 2002
Board of Public Works meetings be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Superintendent Gray requested that the following items be added
to the agenda:
16A Request to Waive Pavilion Fee at Stewart Park – Resolution
16B Naming of City Bridges – Resolution
18C Amendment to Chapter 331 “Garbage, Trash and Weeds” – Power
to Act
22A Downtown Development Proposals – Discussion
23A Ithaca Journal Laurel - Discussion
No Board member objected.
BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES, TRANSIT:
Request for Encroachment - 130 University Avenue
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Tsegaye
WHEREAS, Jeffrey Williams, owner of 130 University Avenue, is
requesting an agreement for an existing porch and steps which
encroaches approximately three and a half feet (3 ½') onto the
street right-of-way; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grants the encroachment
agreement of the existing patio at 130 University Avenue under
the usual terms and conditions, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to enter into an agreement
under the usual terms and conditions, including a one year notice
of removal, with the property owner.
Carried Unanimously
Request for Encroachment - 1207 North Cayuga Street
By Commissioner Tsegaye :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the City Attorney's Office has reviewed a proposed
encroachment agreement for a picket fence which is approximately
one and one half (1.5) feet into the street right of way along
Tompkins Street, and
Board of Public Works – July 24, 2002 - Page 2
WHEREAS, neither the Attorney's Office nor staff recommend
granting an encroachment agreement for structures that are not
considered permanent, are relatively easy to remove or relocate,
and for which the potential inconvenience to the City is greater
than that to the property owner with the encroachment; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the proposed
encroachment agreement requested for 1207 North Cayuga Street.
Commissioner Beach noted that the location description is
incorrect. Superintendent Gray stated that fences are not subject
to the City’s easement policies. He added that although the owner
would not have to remove the fence, an easement could not be
granted.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Request for Encroachment - 119 Auburn Street
By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the City Attorney's Office has reviewed a proposed
encroachment agreement for a picket fence which is approximately
one (1) foot into the street right of way along Tompkins Street,
and
WHEREAS, neither the Attorney's Office nor staff recommend
granting an encroachment agreement for structures that are not
considered permanent, are relatively easy to remove or relocate,
and for which the potential inconvenience to the city is greater
than that to the property owner with the encroachment; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works denies the proposed
encroachment agreement requested for 119 Auburn Street.
Carried Unanimously
Fire Station #9 Roof and Generator
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department has developed and received
funding for roof repairs and replacement of the emergency
generator at Station #9, and
WHEREAS, the project became larger and more complex than
originally envisioned resulting in the involvement of the City
Engineer's Office as well as the need for some architectural and
mechanical engineering design work; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized
to engage the necessary professional services to produce a
complete bid package, and once bids are received is directed to
take any steps required to assist the Fire Department as they
adjust the project budget.
Carried Unanimously
HIGHWAYS, STREETS, SIDEWALK:
Request for Street Closure NASCAR 2002
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department and the Ithaca Downtown
Partnership have requested to close the 100 blocks of West State,
North Cayuga and South Cayuga Streets for a NASCAR festival on
August 7, 2002 from noon until 8:00 p.m.; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants the street
closure of the 100 blocks of West State, North Cayuga and South
Cayuga Street as modified below on August 7, 2002 from noon until
8:00 p.m., and be it further
Board of Public Works – July 24, 2002 - Page 3
RESOLVED, That the 100 block of West State Street will not be
closed from the intersection of State and Albany to the parking
lot located on the north side of State Street in order to allow
access to the lot.
Amending Resolution
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the following language be substituted for the
first resolved clause” RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works
hereby grants the street closure of the 100 blocks of West State,
North Cayuga and South Cayuga Street as modified below on August
7, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and be it further”.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
CREEKS, BRIDGES AND PARKS:
Request to Waive Pavilion Fee at Stewart Park
By Commissioner Tsegaye :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received a request from
City Clerk Julie Conley Holcomb to waive the pavilion fee at
Stewart Park for the City of Ithaca Employee Recognition Picnic
on Friday, September 20, 2002; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves of waiving the
fee for the use of the large pavilion at Stewart Park on
September 20, 2002, and joins the City of Ithaca in thanking its
employees for their dedication and commitment to quality public
service.
Carried Unanimously
Naming of City Bridges.
By Commissioner Beach :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works is charged with the
responsibility for city streets, parks and bridges among the City
property they maintain and operate, and
WHEREAS, streets and parks bare names given to them by the board,
but to date, city bridges have not been named, and
WHEREAS, the City is currently working with NYSDOT on an extended
program of bridge rehabilitation in addition to the City's own
bridge initiatives such as the Southern Gateway Bridge and the
Plain Street Bridges, and
WHEREAS, Board member Gossa Tsegaye has expressed interest in
naming bridges when a compelling reason or combination of events
makes this seem appropriate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests Mr. Tsegaye to
review this proposal with Common Council's Committee for
Neighborhood and Community Issues and then return to the Board
with a recommendation and if appropriate, a procedure for
receiving and considering nominations for naming city bridges.
Superintendent Gray stated that the resolution establishes the
official process for naming the bridges.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
WATER AND SEWER:
Water and Sewer Staff Support
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca adopted the New York State early
retirement incentive package for 2002 which has been very
effective in encouraging retirements among senior staff, and
Board of Public Works – July 24, 2002 - Page 4
WHEREAS, proposed retirements (both expected and unanticipated)
as well as current vacancies in senior positions within the Water
and Sewer Group will have a strong and detrimental impact on the
$8.6 Million operation, and
WHEREAS, staff has started planning for a long term solution
involving a reorganization which address both current operational
needs and utilizes the strengths of current staff members while
recommending a short term bridging solution using two personal
services contracts, and
WHEREAS the Board of Public Works has heard staff's concerns as
well as an initial presentation concerning the staffing problem
and opportunities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works directs staff to take
the necessary steps to strengthen the Water and Sewer Group by
entering into one full time and one part time personal services
contract which are designed to fill the immediate needs of the
group due to retirements or vacancies in several senior
positions, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the contracts will be effective for a period not
to exceed six months and are approved pending the necessary
approval of Common Council's B&A and HR Committees.
Superintendent Gray suggested that the Board table the resolution
until they have the opportunity to fully understand the total
impact that the retirements would have on the operations of the
facility. He added that the magnitude of the personnel changes
seems devastating but the short-term need as described in the
resolution involves the approval of two contracts for interim
staffing needs. Assistant Superintendent Fabbroni stated that the
City harbors the core knowledge base in this industry and mutual
aid from other municipalities is not an option. He added that one
of the contractors would be completing a mandated vulnerability
analysis. The Board agreed that they had enough information to
vote on this issue.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Environmental Review for Phosphorus Treatment Improvements at
IAWWTP
By Commissioner Gutenberger :Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby grants itself
Power to Act on July 31, 2002 for the Environmental Review for
Phosphorus Treatment Improvements at IAWWTP.
Carried Unanimously
ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEMS:
Award of Bid for Self-Propelled Compact Riding Sweeper
By Commissioner Tsegaye :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, bids were received on June 18, 2002 for a new and unused
Self-Propelled Compact Riding-Type Sweeper, and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bids and recommends that the bid
be awarded to the low bidder; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works hereby awards the bid
for a new and unused Self-Propelled Compact Riding-Type Sweeper
to Tennant of 701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452, Minneapolis,
MN 55440 for their low bid of $19, 159.91, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the Assistant Superintendent
for Streets and Facilities to enter into a contract with Tennant.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works – July 24, 2002 - Page 5
Budget for Hard Fill Site
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is interested in completing the
construction of a hard fill site to replace the city's current
site in Southwest Park, and
WHEREAS, the project budget estimate of $90,000 includes a
proposed charge back to City capital projects for road, sewer and
water line construction which generate the bulk of construction
debris; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized
to undertake the necessary testing and design contracts needed to
obtain the permits and approval needed for construction of the
hard fill site, and be it further
RESOLVED, That staff is directed to prosecute the work required
to get the facility in operation as soon as possible.
Carried Unanimously
Power To Act – Amendment to Chapter 331 “Garbage, Trash and
Weeds”
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act to amend Chapter 331 “Garbage, Trash and Weeds” to
conform to Chapter 325 at their July 31, 2002 Committee of the
Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Downtown Development Proposals – Discussion
Superintendent Gray led the discussion relating to the volume of
downtown infrastructure decisions at the planning level with the
addition of the Cornell hotel, Cayuga Green project, Gateway
Plaza, traffic issues and parking garages have presented new
concerns over traffic counts and infrastructure stability. The
Planning Department has proceeded with the numerous projects
without the input of the Traffic Engineer or the City Engineer.
He added that he has been delegated to serve on a newly formed
client committee for the Cayuga Green project. Many decisions
will be made in the next few months that will impact the City for
years. The Board will be presented with a large volume of
contracts relating to these projects in the near future.
Commissioner Beach stated that the next two meetings of the
client committee are open and reiterated that Board members are
invited to attend to absorb the tremendous level of involvement
that they would have in the future. He added that he would
support the Vice-Chair serving on the client committee as the
Board of Public Works representative. The six-point traffic plan
has been developed to mitigate the southwest traffic levels but
protection of the flat land neighborhoods still needs to be
addressed.
Alderperson Hershey stated that SRF Associates factored in the
six-point plan when they performed the downtown traffic study.
Power To Act – Sale of Water to the Town of Ulysses
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act to discuss water negotiations with the Town of
Ulysses at their July 31, 2002 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works – July 24, 2002 - Page 6
NEW BUSINESS:
Power To Act – Children At Play Sign
By Commissioner Leonardo :Seconded by Commissioner Beach
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works grant themselves the
Power to Act to install a Children At Play sign on Franklin
Street between Auburn and Dey Streets at their July 31, 2002
Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Ithaca Journal Laurel to DPW Staff
Superintendent Gray read aloud the laurel that he would like to
have printed in the Ithaca Journal to the staff of the Department
of Public Works from the Board of Public Works. The Board agreed
on the language and unanimously supported the concept.
REPORTS OF SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF:
Superintendent Gray stated that he would appreciate support from
the Board liaisons to the Sewer Joint Subcommittee in the form of
attendance at the scheduled meetings. He added that negotiations
have become difficult and motivation to improve partnership
effectiveness has dwindled. The City’s actions have continuously
been deemed inadequate and the presence of Board members or
Council liaisons may improve the tone of communications.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Robin L. Korherr Joseph Leonardo
Deputy City Clerk Vice-Chair